Anaphylaxis

Overview

How is anaphylaxis diagnosed?

If you’ve had an allergic reaction, or suspected allergic reaction, to food or insect stings (even a mild one), talk to a healthcare provider. A provider can often diagnose anaphylaxis based on your symptoms. They should refer you to an allergist, who can perform additional tests, determine triggers and teach you how to avoid those triggers.

Taking this important step can protect your health and even save your life. It applies to anyone who’s had any type of allergic reaction.

What tests can diagnose anaphylaxis?

An allergist may recommend performing a skin test or a blood test to confirm an allergy and identify the specific allergic trigger. A skin test places a small amount of the allergen on your skin to see if it causes a reaction. A blood allergy test involves your provider taking a blood sample from a vein in your arm.

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Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Heart Rhythm Conditions support group on Freedmans Health Clinic Connect, a patient community.